What Do Covenants Actually Mean For Your New Build?
If you’re looking at buying a section or a house and land package at Kotātā Heights, you'll see the word "covenants" come up. They might sound complicated, but in practice, they’re a straightforward set of rules that exist to protect you and your community.
What are covenants?
Covenants are a set of rules that apply to all properties in Kotātā Heights. The covenants have been thoughtfully designed to encourage a community where properties are new, well-maintained, and it’s a great place to live. Think of them as the shared standards that keep the neighbourhood looking good and holding its value.
What’s included in the covenants for Kotātā Heights?
- Build timeframes: the covenants require building to commence within 6 months of purchase, and for you to complete building within the following 6 months. Driveways, crossings and landscaping to be finished within a further 6 months. This is 18 months from purchase to completion.
- Rental restrictions: properties in Stage 3 and Stage 4 must be occupied by the owner for the first three years of ownership, to encourage a community of owner-occupiers. The covenants are designed to ensure sections are not ‘land banked’, which can lead to vacant and unkept properties and detract from the sense of community envisioned for the subdivision.
- Design approval process: before building starts, your plans need to be approved by the developer. This is a straightforward process that your building company will typically manage for you.
- Covenant expiry: the covenants are in place for 10 years from the date of registration on your title. They’re designed to protect the neighbourhood during the development period, not to restrict you indefinitely.
Are there any exceptions to the covenants?
As with all covenants, the developers will consider individual circumstances if the timeframes become unrealistic for personal or family reasons.
Kotātā Heights covenants are specifically chosen to protect your investment while allowing you the freedom to build your dream home. Always have your lawyer read and explain these to you.